Help us fight disease and injury in animals

Published: 13/12/2011 14:28:49

Paddling paws celebrate opening of new HydrothErapy Centre at Animal Health Trust

 

Two doggy paddlers have officially opened our brand new state-of-the-art hydrotherapy unit for small animals.

 

The Hydrotherapy Centre houses a14 feet by eight feet by four feet hydrotherapy swimming pool and an electronically-programmed water treadmill. Both aid in the treatment of a wide range of painful conditions, as well as helping to ease pain and stiffness.

 

Animal Health Trust patients, Sponge the Collie-cross and Mitch the Labrador officially opened the new centre on Tuesday 13 December, ably assisted by Mrs Barbara Cozens, a long term supporter of the AHT’s hydrotherapy service.

 

Jo Handley-Howard, Head of Hydrotherapy at the AHT, said: “This is a very exciting day for us. We’ve offered hydrotherapy to dogs and cats at the AHT since 2005 but this is the first time we’ve had a purpose built facility housing both the pool and the water treadmill and all the other support items we need.

 

“We’re grateful to all those who have helped make this possible and are looking forward to helping many more dogs and cats using the facility.”

 

Hydrotherapy is an ideal way to provide relief from pain and stiffness. It also builds muscle strength and joint mobility, providing patients with a better range of movement and a greater level of fitness.

 

It is one of nine referral disciplines our Small Animal Centre offers and is often used as a way to help patients who have had spinal or neurological problems, such as a stroke, get back on their feet.

 

Within the new Centre there are internal and external ramps in and out of the pool, along with an overhead hoist to help larger recumbent patients in and out of the pool or water treadmill.

 

Jo Handley-Howard, added: “We are in discussions with a nationwide hydrotherapy trainer about using the new Hydrotherapy Centre as a UK ‘Centre of Excellence’ training centre for animal hydrotherapists.

 

“This would mean that we would not only be helping the hundreds of patients we see through the AHT on an annual basis, but dogs and cats in need of hydrotherapy across the UK.”

 

For more information on the AHT's hydrotherapy service, please click here